PRIVATE SCHOOL REVIEW REPORT:
WENTWORTH PRIMARY SCHOOL
1. BACKGROUND
The Chief Review Officer has a statutory duty to report on the performance of private schools throughout New Zealand.
Section 351 of the Education Act 1989, requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review fully registered private schools, and to report to the Ministry of Education on weather each school continues to meet the criteria full registration.
This review report was prepared in accordance with standard procedures approved by the Chief Review Officer.
| Location | Gulf Harbour, Whangaparaoa |
| Ministry of Education Profile number | 605 |
| School type | Private School (Years 1 to 6) |
| Decile | 1 |
| School roll | 33 |
| Number of International Students | 2 |
| Gender composition | Girls 17, Boys 16 |
| Ethnic composition | New Zealand European/Pākehā 31, Russian 2 |
| Review team on site | Jun-11 |
| Date of this report | 27-Jun-11 |
| Previous ERO report | Private School Review August 2008 |
2. Criteria for Registration
Wentworth Primary School was reviewed by ERO in 2008 and was registered as a private school in the same year. Since then, the roll has more than doubled and there have been strategic changes in school leadership and staffing. Students from the primary school make smooth transitions to the Year 7- 13 college campus, which is located next door. The Wentworth College Education Trust Board and founders manage both schools and provide a good quality private school education option for families in the Whangaparaoa, North Shore and wider Rodney area.
The executive principal has overall leadership responsibility for both the primary school and the college. His vision and that of the founders is reflected in the broad curriculum and the variety of academic, sporting and cultural opportunities provided for students. The school values of trust, respect, consideration and compassion are reflected in the positive relationships evident between staff and students. Supportive relationships between the College and the Primary school are evident in the coaching and peer teaching activities that are provided for younger students. The structured, nurturing environment of the school supports and celebrates learning and is accepting of difference.
Students are provided with a suitable standard of tuition. They are settled and focused on learning and are confident, sociable and happy at school. Students benefit from the small class sizes, multi-level class groupings and one-on-one teaching provided. Teachers know their students well. Good use of assessment information enables teachers to identify specific next steps to accelerate, extend or support each student’s learning. Individual learning profiles provide important reference points against which to monitor students’ progress and achievement over time.
School annual planning goals indicate that teachers are setting realistic targets for student achievement based on reliable and increasingly consistent assessment information. Students are becoming more self-managing and independent learners through facilitated reflection sessions and their involvement in self-assessment activities.
The New Zealand Curriculum is used as a foundation document and is supplemented by school-based curriculum programmes and aspects of the Cambridge curriculum. Students receive good quality education programmes, with an emphasis on high levels of academic achievement in literacy and numeracy. Teachers’ collaborative approach to planning gives priority to literacy and mathematics. Relevant science and technology programmes, sometimes using college facilities and subject specialists, are provided in the school curriculum. Aspects of New Zealand’s bicultural heritage and te reo Maori are integrated into the teaching and learning programme. Gifted and talented students receive enrichment programmes in specialist subjects in the College environment. Drama, music and education outside the classroom are popular features of the school’s curriculum.
The school is inclusive of and responsive to its parent community. Good use is made of parent surveys to inform and, where appropriate, make changes to aspects of the curriculum and school operations. Parents are welcome in the school. They are keen participants on school trips and take advantage of regular information evenings provided.
The school continues to provide suitable staffing. Teachers are appropriately registered and well qualified. They are committed to the Board’s vision for teaching and learning in the school. Experienced teacher aides provide additional learning support for identified students. A review of the school’s performance management programme is underway. Consequently, the appraisal cycle has yet to be implemented for the current year for teaching and non-teaching staff. Good team work, shared leadership and collaboration allow for effective use of in-house and external professional development.
The school premises and equipment continue to be suitable. The four purpose-built classrooms provide ample space for lessons. A multi-purpose teaching space accommodates art, music and second language learning activities. The school is well resourced. The grounds, all weather courts and an adventure playground continue to be well used and enjoyed by students. Good use is also made of college campus facilities, including the gymnasium as required. The grounds are attractive and well maintained. Appropriate health and safety policies and procedures, many of which are shared with the college, are in place.
3. Other Statutory Obligations
Good systems in place to enable the school’s managing body to be assured that its other statutory obligations are met.
4. Other Matters
Provision for international students.
The school is a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students (the Code) established under section 238F of the Education Act 1989. At the time of this review two international students were attending the school.
The school has attested that it complies with all aspects of the Code.
ERO’s investigations confirmed that the school’s self-review process for international students is thorough. School prospectus information for international students attending the primary school, however, should be updated to align with the classroom-based support that is provided for international students who are not proficient speakers of English.
5. Conclusion
On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Wentworth Primary School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.
Richard Thornton
National Manager Review Services
Northern Region
27 June 2011
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Wentworth Primary
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Our school policies are reviewed and updated regularly.
To request a copy of any policy, please contact the Board Secretary and EA to the Principal, Bruce Tong by emailing Gail Clews at: gclews@wentworth.school.nz. Printed copies are also available for viewing at the school office.
Administration
| Animals in School |
| Behaviour Management |
| Complaints |
| Board Conflicts of Interest |
| Personal Mobile Phones & Electronic Devices |
| Privacy |
| School Reviews |
| Use of ICT by Staff and Students |
Administration
- Academic Excellence
- Assessment & Reporting
- Assessments for Students with Special Needs
- Copyright
- Counselling & Career Guidance
- Curriculum Delivery
- Curriculum Review
- Homework
- Parent Interviews
- Patriotism and Taha Māori
School Life and Rules
Wentworth College school life and rules are printed at the front of the Wentworth College homework diary. A full copy is available from the school's office.
Wentworth Primary school life and rules are printed in the Guide for New Parents Handbook that new families receive on enrolment of their child.
Transport
Wentworth College offers a dedicated contracted bus service with convenient pick-up points at Silverdale, Orewa, and various locations along the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
In addition, the College operates seven of its own buses, providing transport for students from a wide range of areas, including Matakana to the north, Kaukapakapa to the west, and Albany Village, East Coast Bays, Dairy Flat, and Milldale.
This extensive network ensures students from across the region have reliable and accessible transport to and from school each day.
The School Day
The Primary School day runs from 9am to 3.10pm, with sports and cultural activities held either during breaks, or before / after school and on Saturdays.
The College teaching day runs from 8.40am to 3.20pm, with sports and cultural activities held either during breaks or before/after school and on Saturdays.
Sport
At Wentworth College we offer students the opportunity to participate in as many different sports as possible
Summer Sports (Terms 1 & 4)
Athletic
Badminton
Basketball
Cricket
Golf (Premier League and 'Learn to Play')
Rowing
Sailing (Academy and ‘Learn to Sail’)
Summer Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Touch Rugby
Volleyball
Winter Sports (Terms 2 & 3)
Badminton
Basketball
Cross country
Hockey
Netball
Rugby*
Water Polo
*composite team with other schools
Pastoral Care and Guidance
Wentworth operates a family ‘House’ pastoral care structure, with each student placed in a House from the time of their enrolment. Within each House, students are assigned a Tutor Group which meets once a day with the Tutor’s role being to keep an oversight on each student’s attendance and progress, and to counsel them if needed. Deans also operate as part of the caring and guidance system, being there to help the students and guide them when necessary. As students move into the senior school, careers guidance is also available through the Deputy Principal.
The College is committed to the pastoral care of students. This commitment enables every student to make a confident transition from school to work or tertiary study.
Standards of Behaviour
While at school students are expected to behave with courtesy and consideration, thus contributing to an environment of mutual respect and support.
Behaviour Outside School
When travelling to and from school, the school uniform must be worn correctly and a high standard of conduct exhibited at all times. Students should be aware that when in uniform, their conduct reflects upon both themselves and the reputation of the College.
Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs
Students must not be involved with cigarettes, alcohol or drugs at school, or to and from school, or on any occasion when they are wearing school uniform, or at any function held under the control of the College. The school will view such involvement (in possession, use or association with the activity) as a serious offence. The Police Youth Aid will be given the details of any Wentworth student who becomes involved in criminal activity while at school or while taking part in any event associated with the school.
General
Students are under the school’s authority from the time they leave home until they return home, or at any function held under the control of the College.
Electronic games, CD players, I’pods, matches, lighters, or any dangerous implements must not be brought to school.
All clothing, books and sports gear must be clearly named. No responsibility will be taken for lost property, but considerable effort will be made to find it if clothing and equipment are named.
Students are not to chew gum.
No school-age or personal friends of students may be on school grounds during school time.
Bicycles may not be ridden in the school grounds and there must be no doubling.
Damage, such as broken windows, must be reported to the school office. Students must be prepared to pay for damage caused.
If parents wish to locate their children during the day or after school, they are requested to enquire at the school office. If parents wish to discuss a problem with teachers, they are requested to make an appointment.
Internet and Computer use
All students at Wentworth College are issued with their own individual login name and password, giving them access to the school’s internal network, email and internet. Prior to being given their login details, both the student and a parent/caregiver must sign an Computer Agreement, indicating their acceptance of, and agreement with, the conditions of use stipulated in the Agreement. Disciplinary action will be taken against any student found to be breaching the terms of the Agreement.
Download the 
Internet /Computer and Computer Peripherals Agreement.
Homework
Students receive regular homework, set to allow them to practise and consolidate skills previously taught at school and to develop personal study skills. Homework is expected to be completed or a note should be produced. Because students work at different speeds, it is difficult to lay down guidelines for hours of homework, but students in Years 7 and 8 will normally have about 45 minutes of homework each night, whilst students in Years 9 to 11 will normally need to do one to two hours homework.
Homework includes:
- reading and background research
- preparation of new work
- learning vocabulary
- revision and practice exercises
- revising for tests/examinations
- preparation of projects or assignments
Parents can assist by:
- taking an interest in homework
- checking a student’s homework
- helping students plan their time
- providing a quiet place or room
Textbooks and Stationery
It is each student’s responsibility to ensure that school textbooks are cared for and returned after use in the best possible condition. Damage resulting from a lack of care will be charged. Stationery lists are posted on the school website showing the requirements for each subject, with each list broken into 2 sections. It is the student’s responsibility to purchase items in the first section, whilst items in the second section will be supplied by the school and invoiced to parents.
School Lunches
Most students bring a packed lunch from home, but we also have a same day food delivery service through www.ezlunch.co.nz If you place a food order by 9am, it will be delivered at lunchtime. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, you can place an order for sushi, and Thursday and Friday is a range of items from Go-Deli catering. You can see the full menu here Term 1 Menu.